balconscimes
Looking for the best view of Les 2 Alpes?
Les Balcons des Cimes takes you between 3,100 and 3,200 meters above sea level on an original loop that takes you to Destination 3400 by funicular railway, in an absolutely grandiose, mineral setting.
This altitude trail unveils an exceptional panorama of the entire oisans mountain ranges grandes Rousses, Belledonne, Taillefer, Écrins.
On a clear day, you'll be able to catch a glimpse of the mont Blanc summit.
Cerise sur le gâteau : il offre le the most striking view on the mont de Lans glacier and the immensity of the plateau d'Emparis.
The Balcons des Cimes is located in the high-altitude of Les 2 Alpes, accessible from the Jandri. It is located between 3,100 m and 3,200 m altitude where the vegetation disappears completely to make way for apure mineral landscapea landscape of rock, scree and open horizons as far as the eye can see.
Once at the top, the path leads into a guided and signposted loop with signage adapted to the high mountain environment.
The trail is accessible to all hikers comfortable in the mountains, provided you're well equipped. The altitude of 3,100 to 3,200 m calls for serious preparation: the cold, wind and nature of the terrain (rock, lack of vegetation) mean that you need to be well prepared suitable hiking boots and warm clothing and a impermeable layer. This is not a technical route. It is easily accessible for families with children who are used to walking.
Elevation gain : + 80 m
Negative gradient : - 140 m
Distance length : 1.9 km
Estimated duration : 1 h 30
The course evolves on high mountain trails in a totally mineral and lunar not a speck of vegetation, but an environment of rock and sky. The trail is signposted and safe and the loop offers a logical progression with views that gradually open up over the entire panorama.
Visit Balcons des Cimes offer what is unquestionably the most beautiful viewpoint on the Mont de Lans glacier. The glacier, Europe's largest and highest skiable glacier, is revealed here in all its glory from a privileged angle.
Facing the trail, theplateau d'Emparis unfolds its gentle, wild expanses in striking contrast to the mineral world around you. This vast high-altitude alpine pasture is one of the most singular and soothing vistas on the trail.
From this path, the view embraces theall the massifs surrounding Oisans :
Les Grandes Rousses with their characteristic glacial peaks
The Belledonne massif imposing ridge to the north-west
Le Taillefer recognizable silhouette to the west
The Écrins the highest massif in France, at 4,000 m, with its glaciers
In fine weather and with optimum visibility, the Mont Blanc summit on the horizon, adding an extra dimension to this already exceptional panorama.
At this altitude, no vegetation the purity of the landscape. Stones, grey rocks, intense blue skies, white glaciers: the Balcons des Cimes offer a high-mountain aesthetic in its purest, most authentic version.
The altitude of this trail requires careful preparation. Here are the essential recommendations before you set off:
Hiking shoes high shank, with grip soles for rocky terrain
Warm clothing even in summer, temperatures at altitude can be cool, or even cold in windy conditions
Windbreaker or waterproof jacket indispensable
Sunglasses and sunscreen (UV exposure is much higher at this altitude)
Water bottle and snacks
Check the weather forecast before you leave conditions can change very quickly at 3,000 m
Of all the walking itineraries available at Les 2 Alpes the Balcons des Cimes occupy a special place. They are the the only loop that takes you up to the 3400 destination experience by funicular.
It's a trail for those who want to to the end of the mountain feel the high altitude beneath their feet a new way of looking at the glacier and coming back with photographic memories that few resort hikers get to take home.
Visit Balcons des Cimes are much more than just a stroll: they're a an invitation to pure altitude a face-to-face encounter with the glacier, the mountains and the sky of the Alps. Accessible by ski lift, this trail of 1.9 km for 1h30 walk offers an experience of high mountains accessible, without technical climbing, to any well-equipped person.
Prepare your equipment, choose a clear day, and come discover the most spectacular panorama in Les 2 Alpes.
Les Balcons des Cimes is a new altitude trail in Les 2 Alpes, between 3,100 m and 3,200 m. It's a 1.9 km loop that takes you to the 3400 destination by funicular. The trail offers the finest view of the Mont de Lans glacier, as well as a 360° panorama of all the Oisans massifs.
The trail is not technically difficult, but is suitable for well-equipped hikers who are comfortable in the mountains. The loop is 1.9 km long, with +80 m of ascent and -140 m of descent, and takes an estimated 1h30. The altitude of between 3,100 m and 3,200 m means cool temperatures, possible wind and changeable weather conditions, even in summer.
The altitude of the trail means you'll need the right equipment: high-top hiking boots, warm clothing, windproof or waterproof jacket, sunglasses and sunscreen. You should also bring water and snacks. Light summer clothing is insufficient at 3,100 m, even in fine weather.
The trail offers exceptional panoramic views of all the Oisans mountain ranges: the Grandes Rousses, Belledonne, Taillefer and Écrins. It also offers the best possible view of the Mont de Lans glacier and the Emparis plateau. In good visibility, the summit of Mont Blanc is visible on the horizon.
This trail is recommended for adults and families with children who are comfortable walking in the mountains. For a more family-oriented outing, prefer routes at lower altitudes, such as the Sentier des Chamois or the Balade du Cristallier.
